With the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States, many are still wondering how this happened. Much of Trump’s success in the election, aside from Russian involvement, is due to automation taking over jobs and industries once supported by working-class White America. Automation can complete tasks more efficiently, both cost-wise and environmentally. Technology allows firms to conserve energy, reduce resources, and minimize overall impact.
Jobs are moving from doing to overseeing. This comes at a price. The implementation and overseeing of a new automation system requires more knowledge and education than simply doing the intended job itself. Those losing their jobs to automatic systems may not be qualified to work on the systems.
How does a firm or industry reconcile the future of automation with the loss of millions of jobs?
In June 2016, a convoy of digitally-connected, semi-automated trucks led by one driver traveled across Europe as an experiment in a new, sustainable model for transportation companies. According to an article from UPS.com, the platoon model is more feasible than complete automation, reduces fuel usage and emissions, and is more cost-effective. The trade-off of full automation to save jobs is a worthy compromise.
Automated truck, source: http://techbleach.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/self-driving-freightliner-truck.jpg
This brings up the question of responsibility. Who is responsible for ensuring adequate jobs? If the responsibility lies on individual firms, then entire restructuring of business models would have to ensure that capital costs to increase sustainable practices do not cut jobs. If government is responsible, then legislation must consider the long-term social and environmental effects of pushing against computerization.
North America still treads lightly when it comes to complete reliance on technology. These small steps spark fear of the unknown, but there is more than enough time to come up with solutions.
Sources:
https://longitudes.ups.com/truckings-new-era-of-sustainability/
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/05/donald-trump-and-the-twilight-of-white-america/482655/
Interesting read! Automation since the industrial revolution has scared mainly protectionists in fear of job cuts. With the “platooning”of the trucks in the UPS article, it seems that there is still a lead driver that creates an aerodynamic situation. The following truck behind can then take advantage of the aerodynamics and save on fuel. Though the total number of jobs may be impacted, I think the skill level for that industry will increase because drivers now have to learn new technologies in order to drive a truck. Although this is a great movement towards achieving sustainability in transportation, I can still see some major issues. Traditionally, drivers will have to “babysit” their load. Theft can potentially be an issue, if there’s no one to look after the carrier. There will also be complications for trucking cross borders. Importing and exporting goods along with traditional INCO terms can complicate international law and might not be what the industry is ready for.